projectnumbermlc-gp06.docVIP

Project Number: MLC-GP06 The Effects of Gamma and High Dynamic Range Lighting on Performance and Perception in First-Person Shooters An Interactive Qualifying Project Report submitted to the Faculty of WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science by ________________ Scott Kolodzy ________________ Kenneth Louf Date: April 30, 2007 Approved: ________________________________ Professor Mark Claypool, Advisor Abstract The goal of this study was to determine the effects of gamma and high dynamic range lighting on user performance and user perception of image quality in computer games. A user study was run in which participants played four different sessions of Counter-Strike: Source with varying gamma and high dynamic range values, while measuring user performance and gathering user opinions. Analysis of the results found that user performance was not affected by gamma or high dynamic range lighting. In addition, game playability and picture quality were similarly unaffected by these settings. Acknowledgements The authors of this paper would like to thank Professor Robert Lindeman for the use of his computers. In addition, we would like to thank Professor Mark Claypool for taking the time every week to meet with us and point us in the right direction. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Introduction 1 2 Background 4 3 Methodology 5 3.1 Research 5 3.1.1 Settings Choice 6 3.1.2 Pilot Study 8 3.1.3 Hypotheses 9 3.1.4 Game Choice 10 3.2 Testing Process 10 3.2.1 Design 10 3.2.2 Setup and Process 13 3.2.3 Issues 15 4 Results 16 4.1 Demographics 16 4.2 Session Data 16 5 Analysis 18 5.1 Score Analysis 18 5.2 Playability Rating Analysis 19 5.3 Picture Quality Rating Analysis 21 6 Conclusions 22 7 Future Work 25 References 26 Appendix A: Flyer 27 Appendix B: Batch File 28 Appendix C: Test Materials 29 Appendix D: Graphs 32 D.1 Scoring 32 D.2 Playability Rating 34 D.3 Picture Quality Ratin